Missing out on the views as your flight descends into a new city is just one of the setbacks of sitting in the middle seat. (Others include: passive-aggressive armrest wars; awkward bathroom breaks; and strangers emitting suspicious sounds and smells on all sides.)

Fortunately, Santa Monica's Shore Hotel—an eco-friendly beachfront stay that’s within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier—has a soft spot for said fliers. The hotel has just started offering inconvenienced middle-seat passengers who fly into LAX a free upgrade to an ocean-view room upon arrival. Jet lag never looked so good.

The deal is valid now through May 26. To reap the benefits, you have to book a room at the hotel before you land, and show proof that you spent the flight crammed between two people. Of course, the hotel notes that all upgrades are subject to room availability. (Credit to the Shore Hotel for its clever marketing—it also offers a cheeky Gluttony Package that includes a one-year membership to "underground food network" Fork Monkey.)

But hey, the chance to look out over the Pacific lapping the pier as the sun sinks below the horizon? We’d say that beats the landing views of a smoggy Los Angeles any day—even if it means middle seat status for a few (long, very long) hours.